Lombardy: Mountains & Lakes

Menaggio is located on the western shore of Lake Como, in a strategic position between Como and Lugano. After checking in at your hotel, you have the rest of the day to explore this elegant and peaceful lakeside town. Over the next few days, you will also have the opportunity to use the excellent local boat service to explore some of the other delightful small towns on either side of Lake Como. The beautiful gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and Villa Melzi in Bellagio are not to be missed!

Overnight: Menaggio

Distance: 12.4 km | Ascent: 937 m | Descent: 924 m | 5 hrs approx.

Your first day’s walking is an easy lakeside stroll. After breakfast take the boat that crosses the lake to Varenna, one of the most picturesque of Lake Como’s villages. Following the East side of the lake, take the “Sentiero del Viandante” (the Wayfarer’s Path) and discover a rich and ancient cultural landscape with traditional architecture and outstanding views of the lake and its surrounding mountains.

Just above Varenna, make a short detour to visit the castle in Vezio. It’s worth it!

Return to Menaggio by boat.

Overnight: Menaggio

WALK A: Val Sanagra Nature Reserve

Distance: 14.4 km | Ascent: 696 m | Descent: 695 m | 5 hrs approx.

A loop walk starting in Menaggio takes you to the Val Sanagra, an undiscovered area rich in history and heritage. Leaving Menaggio, you pass first through the villas of the noble village of Loveno. You will follow the Sanagra stream, crossing ancient stone bridges as you ascend into the narrowing gorge. You will pass several ancient mills and iron foundries, as well as ancient hamlets where time appears to have stood still for centuries. As you reach Monti Madri you are rewarded with panoramic views over the valley and the wooded peaks beyond.

WALK B – Esino Lario to Rifugio Bietti and Buzzi 

Distance: 20 km | Ascent: 1,144 m | Descent: 324 m | 6 hrs approx.

Take the ferry from Menaggio to Varenna from where you take a local bus or a taxi to the start of the walk in Esino Lario, a small town high in the mountain above Lake Como. You will enjoy gorgeous panoramas as you follow the well-marked trail through the Regional Park of the Northern Grigna (Grigna Settentrionale). The Grigna is part of a mountain massif rising up from the eastern branch of Lake Como and extending from the towns of Lecco to Bellano. The area is characterised by steep and rugged calcareous rock formations which are reminiscent of the Italian Dolomites.
A highlight of this itinerary is the striking “Porta di Prada”, a large arc shaped rock formation with a cross located in its centre. This is a great spot to take a break and capture some spectacular photographs.

WALK C – Breglia loop via Monte Grona and Monte Bregagnino

Distance: 6.5/9 km | Ascent: 633/850 m | Descent: 633/752 m | 3½/5 hrs approx.

This walk starts in Breglia, a small village above Menaggio reachable by bus.
The route takes in two of the most significant peaks of the western side of the Lake: Monte Grona and Monte Bregagnino. From the top of Monte Grona (1,736m) you have one of the best views of the Pre Alps; from here you can see the three lakes (Como, Lugano and Piano), and the peaks of Monte Bregagno, Legnone, Pizzo di Gino and Grigna.
The route passes Rifugio Menaggio, one of the most famous mountain huts in the area, situated on a natural terrace from where you have an exceptional view on the south side of Lake Como.
There are three different ways to get to the top of the Monte Grona from the Rifugio Menaggio, including an alpine ascent using the “via ferrata”.

Overnight: Menaggio

Today you have the chance to do a second walk from the list above.

Overnight: Menaggio

Distance: 9 km | Ascent: 530 m | Descent: 493 m | 3 hrs approx.

The Antica Strada Regina, built during the late period of the Roman Empire, was an important road connection along the west side of the lake, linking Como to the alpine passes. The old trail was used up until the late 18^th century, when the current lake road was built.

This well-preserved stretch of the antique road starts at Menaggio and runs along cobblestone paths that lead you through ancient villages and olive groves just far enough above the lake to ensure tranquility and, of course, splendid lake views. The trail ends in the characteristic village of Rezzonico, with its castle and 14^th century tower.

After the walk return to Menaggio by local bus.

Overnight: Menaggio

Distance: 16.5 km | Ascent: 698 m | Descent: 1,502 m | 5 hrs approx.

A morning private transfer takes you to the hill top village of Cavargna from where a spectacular climb takes you to the Church of Saint Lucio, right on the border between Italy and Switzerland. You pass through the typical mountain hamlet of Monti, before descending to Molzano with stunning views over both Lake Como and Lake Lugano.

A superbly panoramic footpath leads you through woods and meadows, descending 1550 m to Porlezza, situated at the northeast end of Lake Lugano and very close to the Swiss border. This rural farmland and forest walk with imposing views is one of the area’s highlights.

Overnight: Porlezza

Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 1,100 m | Descent: 1,100 m | 5 hrs approx.

Today’s optional walk takes you to the mountains above Lugano lake; a beautiful terrain of forest, waterfalls and tiny villages. The start is quite challenging, as you are climbing up the steep side of the mountain. Once you make it to the Alpe Vecchio, however, you can relax and admire the views from the beautiful mountain hut on the high plateau. You then descend through forest paths to the village of San Mamete. Here you take the bus back to Porlezza.

Overnight: Porlezza

Your trip and our services come to an end after breakfast.